Anzac Day is held on the 25th of April which is the anniversary of the first major military battle fought by the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps during the First World War. This was when the ANZAC forces landed in Gallipoli in 1915 in a bid to capture the Gallipoli peninsula in order to open the Dardenelles to the allied navies. The ANZAC forces met a surprisingly strong defence from the Turkish forces, and what was meant to be a relatively quick battle to knock Turkey out of the war, became an 8 month stalemate. By the end of 1915 the Allied forces withdrew and 8000 Australians had lost their lives.
Even though the battle failed in it's military objectives it did give birth to what became the 'Anzac Legend' which carries on today and embodies all that is good in the Australian and New Zealand spirit.
Today, Anzac Day not only commemorates those who died at Gallipoli but it is also a time to remember all of those who have given their lives in times of war. Anzac day typically starts at dawn with a dawn service in all major towns and cities throughout Australia. This is often followed by marches in the streets and gatherings in the many pubs and clubs across Australia. Not to mention the occasional game of two-up and the occasional beer.
This year in Hornsby, the community is encouraged to support our servicemen past and present by attending the dawn service at the Hornsby cenotaph. The event will commence with assembling outside the Hornsby RSL at 4:00am followed by the march to the cenotaph at 4:20am. The dawn service will commence at 5:00am. Hornsby RSL will also be hosting breakfast and official speeches in the showroom following the dawn service. Games of Two-Up are also scheduled in the showroom from 1:30pm.
If you have an Anzac Day event that you would like promoted on thebestofhornsby, please contact us and we would be happy to oblige.